The Cincinnati Bengals have parted ways with one of their defensive cornerstones over the past seven seasons.
The team decided to release outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict on Monday, cutting ties with a player that has been a consistent starter since the team drafted him back in 2012 out of Arizona State.
Burfict has never been a superstar, but he did make one Pro Bowl back in the 2013 season.
The linebacker, who will turn 29 just after the start of the 2019 season, will now look to find a new team.
Despite lots of talent, Burfict has been held back in his career at times by injury and by disciplinary problems.
He suffered a knee injury that cost him parts of his 2014 and 2015 seasons. He also missed three games in 2017 due to a concussion and a shoulder injury, and also was on the bench for two games last season due to a hip injury.
Burfict’s play style has also led him to miss time and to be fined on various occasions. In fact, Burfict has had to pay over $4.1 million due to on-field incidents throughout his career.
He also missed the first four games of 2018 due to a performance enhancing drug suspension.
Now, Burfict will look for a new team and a fresh start in free agency.
